2003 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1982 Toyota Tercel
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Toyota Tercel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Toyota Tercel would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 423 more horse power than 1982 Toyota Tercel. (70 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1982 Toyota Tercel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1245 kg more than 1982 Toyota Tercel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Toyota Tercel, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 693 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Toyota Tercel. (107 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Toyota Tercel. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1982 Toyota Tercel has manual transmission. 1982 Toyota Tercel will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1982 Toyota Tercel | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | SL | Tercel |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 800 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2025 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2440 mm |
